The Fast Forward invites applications for the Accelerator Program to support and scale tech nonprofits. Tech innovations may include agri-tech or clean energy, among others. Selected entrepreneurs receive a US$25 thousand grant, mentorship, and connections to people who can help their innovation scale. The accelerator is open to tech nonprofits from around the world. Applications are open until 07 September 2026. Fast Forward Tech Accelerator
The Insect Welfare Research Society (IWRS) offers Teaching Innovation Awards supporting instructors who develop new approaches to teaching insect or invertebrate biology. Two awards of US$2,000 each are available annually, funding the creation and implementation of instructional materials and pedagogical approaches. Priority goes to proposals addressing common teaching practices with substantial welfare implications. The next application deadline is 15 November 2026. Teaching Innovation Award
Farm Radio International invites applications for the Liz Hughes Award for Her Farm Radio, which recognises radio programs serving women listeners across sub-Saharan Africa. The program need not focus exclusively on gender equality; any subject qualifies, provided the show demonstrably serves women, whether through health, education, agriculture, or another topic combined with attention to women’s experiences, concerns, or the role of men in gender equality. Any Farm Radio International broadcasting partner in sub-Saharan Africa may apply, and the award goes to the full programme team. The winning team receives a certificate and a prize of CA$1,000. The deadline is 21 August 2026. Liz Hughes Award
The Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) invites proposals for the Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC), themed “Accelerating Value Addition, Youth Innovation & Community Action.” The competition mobilises young, early-stage energy entrepreneurs across Africa to develop, prototype, and scale innovative devices, equipment, and digital solutions across four tracks: youth employment and green jobs, agribusiness and waste-to-energy, local manufacturing and value addition, and AI and connectivity. Applicants must be aged 18 to 35 and apply as teams of at least three people, with each team required to include at least one woman and one man. Up to twenty or more shortlisted teams receive complimentary passes to the 11th Nigeria Energy Forum (November 2026). Winners share cash prizes of up to US$10 thousand, present their prototype at the Forum, and receive business development mentorship and incubator support valued at over US$15 thousand. The deadline for initial proposal submissions is 10 September 2026. Africa Energy Innovation Challenge
The SEARCA Photo Contest with the theme”Food for All, Food for the Future” is open for submissions. The contest calls for photographs of the people and systems that keep food nourishing, safe, accessible, resilient, and future-ready across six sub-themes: nourishing families and communities, markets and food access, safe food handling, innovations in food production and distribution, climate-resilient farming and fisheries, and women’s roles in food and agriculture. The contest is open to all Southeast Asian nationals. Winners receive cash prizes of US$1000 (1st place), US$800 (2nd place), and US$500 (3rd place). All entries must be submitted before 30 September 2026. SEARCA Photo Contest
The Wege Prize is an annual competition that seeks game-changing solutions for the future by inspiring college/university students around the world. Participants contend for US$65 thousand in total cash prizes. Teams have to develop ideas from an informal proposal into a robust and feasible solution informed by research, market analysis, and real-world prototyping and testing. Team applications are due on 04 October 2026. Know more
Local Letters for Global Change is a Pulitzer Center writing contest for students. Students are encouraged to write a letter to a local elected representative that explains the global issue they want them to prioritize (e.g., Climate and Environment), shows how it connects to their local community and proposes a solution. The Pulitzer Center welcomes entries from all current K-12 students across the globe. First-place winners will receive US$300 to support global community engagement. Educators working with groups of 50 or more students can also schedule a free, virtual workshop facilitated by a member of the Pulitzer Center Education team. The application deadline is 01 November 2026. Letters for Global Change
The International Compost Awareness Week Committee invites submissions for its annual poster contest. This year’s theme is “All Paths Lead to Compost”. The winning poster will serve as the promotional piece of the 2026 International Compost Awareness Week and the winner will receive US$500. The contest is open to anyone from 9th grade (age 14) or older from anywhere in the world. The deadline is 15 November 2026. About the poster contest
The International Zendal Awards recognize outstanding contributions to biotechnology projects in human and animal health within a One Health framework, offering two prizes: €40 thousand for Human Health and €25 thousand for Animal Health. The award is open to public or private institutions worldwide, including universities, NGOs, foundations, startups, and government entities. Nominations are accepted until 20 September 2026. International Zendal Awards
The Climate Resilience Awards for Business recognize businesses worldwide for their measurable contributions to climate resilience in operations, supply chains, or communities. The awards seek to identify and celebrate businesses who are taking action to assess and ensure future resilience to climate change and broader physical risks for themselves, their supply chains and their communities. Finalists and winners will gain online recognition and potential networking opportunities. The application deadline is 30 September 2026. Climate Resilience Awards